Monday, July 24

In radio broadcasting, too-surreal-too-believe stories like the following are often referred to as an, "...and finally," as in a final oddity mentioned at the end of the news report, to lighten the usually grim mood:

Origami tank and driver

Days of peace in Kibbutz Zeelim in Eschol regional council:

Jewish and Arab people will be preparing artistic paper folding models side by side in an International Origami conference taking place in Kibbutz Zeelim from July 26th.

On Wednesday July 26th an international Origami conference will begin in Kibbutz Zeelim in Eschol regional council. During this conference Jews and Arabs will participate side by side and for 4 days will be creating special artistic paper folders in the "Origami magic inspired by desert magic" conference.

The conference will include paper folding workshops and an exhibition featuring special paper folding models. The conference will be hosting two worldwide known paper folding artists:

·Mr. John Montrol U.S.A which has written over 20 Origami books including complicated paper folding insects and animals models without using glue or scissors.

·Mr. Paul Jackson- An international Origami artist and master which has written over 26 Origami books that have been published in over one million copies and translated to many languages.

The conference will be open from July 26th until July 29th, during these days the exhibition will be open freely for the public and will include paper folding models and Origami books sales. This is an extraordinary opportunity to get acquainted with this unique art. The conference will also include workshops for the general public enabling everyone to experience paper folding.

The conference participants and visitors will be offered accommodation in Kibbutz Zeelim's guesthouse and other settling populations in the area. This is a great opportunity to combine between a visit in the conference and exhibition and the wide variety of family attractions the Habsor district can offer:

A tractor ride, wildlife reserve, "Hamam Zeelim" including a pool and Jacuzzi with termomineral natural water and dried sauna, Spa treatments, a tour to Israel's longest rope bridge above the Habsor stream, Bedouin tent and many more.

Oh, but that's not the full story. No, no, my friends. You see, freelance operative Seva Brodsky was in the house, camera in hand -- and there was much jostling, grabbing, profanity and threats of violence directed toward our intrepid defender of Israel and America. The remainder of this post is either submitted by, or based on descriptions from, Seva. The pictures and video are his. Any asides from me are placed in brackets, Mr. Brodsky's submission is below in pull-quote format.

Just finished an invigorating 45 minute live-on-air web/broadcast interview with these guys:

(Kevin Whalen and Gregg Jackson)

of Punditreview Radio on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Leader. Thanks guys - you were phenomenal hosts, and worth getting up at 3 AM for. Too bad I had my alarm set for 4 AM... (no, no, it's ok. Really! I was getting up to answer the phone anyway, when you called...)

A big shoutout to Boston-area listeners Frank, Tom and Joel who called in with thoughtful questions about the situation here (and here I wuz,' x-pectin' RANTERS!), and bloggers "warsaw44," and "Jason" who clicked through to my blog during the show with comments: